Row unit with tracks

ABSTRACT

A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.14/751,716, filed on Jun. 26, 2015, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 to provisional application Ser. No. 62/018,140, filed Jun.27, 2014, the contents of all being herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to agricultural implements. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to row units ofagricultural planters that include the use of tracks in place of wheels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An agricultural row crop planter is a machine built for preciselydistributing seed into the ground. The row crop planter generallyincludes a horizontal toolbar fixed to a hitch assembly for towingbehind a tractor. Row units are mounted to the toolbar. In differentconfigurations, seed may be stored at individual hoppers on each rowunit, or it may be maintained in a central hopper and delivered to therow units on an as needed basis. The row units include ground-workingtools for opening and closing a seed furrow, and a seed metering systemfor distributing seed to the seed furrow. Wheels of the row units aid inthe movement of the unit, and also act as closing devices to cover seedthat is deposited into formed trenches for planting.

It is desirable to maximize crop yield to place seed in the ground atspecified intervals and depth. Seed metering and sewing systems striveto do this today but are have inherent inaccuracy for a number ofreasons. The sewing unit opens a trench with splayed disks pushed intothe ground at the desire depth that the seed is to be buried. The trenchis then packed by wheels and other devices. Inherent to the processesand apparatus, variation in soils type and moisture exist, and the seedtrench depth can vary significantly. Because the seed is dropped from ametering device through a tube into an open trench from a moving tractorand then covered with soil, the position of the seed can varysignificantly. The seed spacing interval as defined can also varysignificantly because the sewing unit speed moving over the ground iscalculated from tractor movement and planter geometry and can varysignificantly in turns and other maneuvers.

Furthermore, because the seed meter may be bouncing erratically throughthe field, the seed can tumble through the seed tube striking it one ormore times, particularly if the sewing unit is tilted on a hill andmoving on rough terrain. The seed will tumble as it falls in theirregular trench in whatever orientation it happens to land before it iscovered with soil. If the seed is not in the bottom of the trench itwill move as the trench is closed with filling soil.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for overcoming problems associatedwith attempting to plant seed at a desired depth and with desiredspacing intervals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of theinvention to overcome or improve on the deficiencies in the art.

According to some aspects of the invention, a planter for planting seedis provided. The planter includes a toolbar and a plurality of row unitsoperatively attached to the toolbar. The row units comprise openingwheels or discs for creating an opening in the ground, a seed meter fordispensing seed adjacent the opening wheels or discs for dispensing seedinto the opening in the ground, and tracks positioned at least partiallyoutside the opening wheels or discs. The tracks are configured to aid inmoving the planter and closing the opening in the ground after the seedhas been dispensed therein.

A tracked vehicle runs on continuous tracks instead of wheels. Anadvantage of the tracked wheels is that, because tracks are in contactwith a larger surface area than a wheeled vehicle, they exert a muchlower force per area on the ground. This makes them suitable for use onsoft, low friction, and uneven ground, such as tilled and wet soils. Acharacteristic of wheels and tracks is that while they turn or roll tomove a vehicle the physical area that contacts the ground, often calledthe contact area, and has no relative velocity or movement with theground. For a rolling wheel this contact patch may be very small and thetime that contact area has no relative velocity with the ground is verysmall. For a track, the contact patch is much larger and the time that aparticular point along the track has no relative velocity with theground is much larger. Using this principle, if sequence of holes existthrough and along a rolling track at a desired seed spacing, and a seeddelivery probe and mechanism is mounted on the inside of the trackpointing outwardly through the hole, then a portion of the track with ahole in it contacts the ground and there is no longer any relativemovement between the ground and segment of track.

During this time of no relative movement, a seed delivery probe can beextended through the hole in the track and into the ground until itachieved its desired depth at which point it will release the seed. Theprobe mechanism will then extract the probe before that portion of thetrack loses contact with the ground. The seed probe mechanism can beactuated in a number of ways: as a follower with a cam mounted on themoving part of the track, or with an electric solenoid, hydraulic orpneumatic cylinder. The probe while retracting fills the probe hole bycompressing down on the soil around the circumference of probe andpushing into the hole. The seed is metered conventionally but ismechanically place into or on the placement probe. The invention can beemployed by having multiple tracked sowing units mounted to aconventional planter or built into a multi-track vehicle driven by ahuman or autonomous vehicle.

Often soil is prepared with implements before a trench is opened withcurrent sowing units. While the soil may be prepared in front of thedisclosed device it does not have to be nor does a trench need to beopened or prepared for seed delivery. With the invention, the seeddelivery vehicle is moved with tracks, which inherently operate betterin rough and wet conditions than a wheeled device. The seed ispositioned and placed in the soil by the probe not dropped from a movingvehicle on irregular terrain, through an irregularly shape tube, into astationary but irregularly shaped trench, and then moved again from dirtpiling into the open trench.

According to additional aspects, a standard seed metering system can beused with the row unit including tracks instead of wheels. The row unitwill include opening wheels or discs, which may be in front of or behindthe planter toolbar. Having the opening wheels or discs in front of thetoolbar can aid in reducing the width of the machine in a foldedtransport configuration and will also place the weight of the toolbarthat needs to be transferred to the row unit directly above it, whichcan reduce the amount of downforce required for each row unit.

In such a configuration, the row unit would include a metering systemthat has a lowered seed meter, potentially just above the ground andpositioned adjacent and/or behind the opening wheels or discs. A seedtube or chute can be used to provide an even lower deposit point of theseed into the trench formed by the opening wheels or discs. Having thelowered seed meter and seed tube will decrease the amount of bounce onthe seed as it is being planted, which should increase the spacinginterval and depth of the seeds being planted, which as noted, will aidin increasing crop yield.

In any embodiment, the tracks may be driven by the speed of the tractorpulling the planting implement, or they may be independently controlledwith the use of motors at each of the row units. The independent controlof the row units would allow for greater control for planting, turning,etc. In such a situation, the speed of the tracks could be aligned ordetermined through a control system that determines the speed of thetractor, desired seed spacing, soil conditions, etc., so that theplanting implement will move through the field and plant to bestoptimize the yield.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a row unit attached to a portion of aplanter toolbar, according to some aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the row unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another row unit with tracks accordingto aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another row unit according to aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the row unit of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a downforce system according to aspects of theinvention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figuresrepresented herein are not limitations to the various embodimentsaccording to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustrationof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention relates generally to row units for use with a plantingimplement, such as an agricultural planter. Planters are generallyattached to or pulled by a tractor or another agricultural vehicle. Mostplanters include a tongue having a first end including a hitch and anopposite second end. The second end of the hitch may include orotherwise be connected to a central toolbar. The tongue may betelescoping in nature such that it can extend and retract in length, orcan be otherwise configured such that it is rear folding or non-folding,as is known in agricultural industry. As will be appreciated, the rowunits of the invention can be used with generally any and all types ofplanters. Extending from sides of the toolbar may be first and secondwings. The wings are generally identical to one another and may bemirror images of one another. The wings include toolbars as well.Mounted to the main toolbar and/or wing toolbars are a plurality of rowunits, which are configured for planting of one or more types of seeds.For example, the row unit may include hoppers, or other seed deliverysystems, such as air seed delivery systems, to provide seed from acentral or bulk hopper. The seed is then metered at the row unit, and isplaced in a trench created by opening wheels, shanks, hoes, and/ordiscs. The trench is then closed or otherwise soil is moved to cover thetrench, thus planting the seed.

The row unit and components thereof are key to optimize the planting ofthe one or more types of seeds in the field. For example, to maximizecrop yield, individual seed and/or types of seed may grow best whenplanted at optimal depth and with optimal spacing between each seed.Therefore, a job of the seed meter of the row unit is to dispense,deposit, or otherwise move the seed into the formed trench, which isideally formed at the preferred depth in such a way that the seeds arespaced from one another at an ideal distance to optimize growingconditions, seed types, and otherwise to increase and/or maximize thecrop yield. The figures of the invention show and provide embodimentsand/or aspects of novel row units for use with agricultural planters.The row units, as will be shown and described, include aspects that aidin optimizing the planting depth and spacing of seed as a planter movesthrough the field in order to maximize the yield obtained by theharvested crop. As will be understood, the row units of the inventionprovide numerous advantages over existing planters.

FIGS. 1-6 show a row unit 10 according to some embodiments and/oraspects of the invention. It should be noted that the row unit 10 shownin the figures does not include wheels, such as transport wheels and/orgauge wheels that are traditionally found on standard row units.Instead, the row unit 10 shown in the figures includes continuous tracks22 for use in moving the row unit through the field, by transport, andthe like. The continuous tracks, as will be understood, provide numerousadvantages over the use of wheels, including, but not limiting to aidingand providing the optimized planting conditions for planting differenttypes of seeds. The tracks could be shaped to mold the shape of theopened trench for improved closing of the trench. Furthermore, thetracks can increase the smoothness of the ride, which will reducevibration, which will improve seed drop. Still other advantages includeslowered compaction around the furrow when compared to standard row unitswith wheels, as well as better seed depth control in planting seeds viathe row unit.

Therefore, as shown in the figures, a row unit 10 is provided. The rowunit 10 may be one of a plurality of row units that are found on anagricultural planter (not shown). For purposes of disclosure, only onerow unit 10 of the plurality of row units of the planter will be shownand described, and it should be appreciated that the additional rowunits will be identical or nearly identical in configuration to the rowunit shown in FIGS. 1-6.

The row unit 10 is operatively attached to one of the toolbars 12 of theplanter. As previously noted, the planter may include a central toolbarand/or wing toolbars extending from the central toolbar. The row unit 10can be attached to any toolbar of the planter. The row unit 10 includesa frame 14 that is attached to the toolbar 12. The frame may be a metalor other rigid material capable of withstanding the forces acting on theplanter row unit 10, and which can also support the weight of the rowunit. The frame 14 may be attached to the toolbar 12 at a connectingmember 26, which may be a pin. As is shown best in FIG. 2, the frame 14is pivotally connected to the toolbar 12 at the connecting member 26,such that the frame 14 is able to rotate relative to the toolbar 12.Such rotation will allow the row unit 10 to be adjusted as the row unit10 and planter are moved through a field and experience changingconditions, such as soil conditions, pitch, elevation changes, and thelike.

Also shown extending between the toolbar 12 and the frame 14 is adownforce cylinder 16. The downforce cylinder 16 includes a housing 28and a rod 30. As is known, the rod 30 is able to extend and retractrelative to the housing 28. The downforce cylinder 16 may be a hydrauliccylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, and/or some combinationthereof. It should be appreciated that the type of downforce cylinderneed not be particularly important to the configuration of the row unit,except that the downforce cylinder 16 be able to provide an sufficientdownforce to the row unit 10 such that the planting conditions (e.g.,depth, load, etc.) be maintained or nearly maintained throughout theever changing conditions of a field. The cylinder 16 includes a mount 32to allow the cylinder 16 to be pivotally and/or rotatably connected tothe toolbar 12. The rod 30 is connected to the frame 14 at a mount 34,which is a pivoting mount as well. The cylinder 16 may be connected atboth locations by pins, for example. Therefore, the cylinder 16 is ableto rotate relative both to and at the toolbar 12 and as well to and atthe frame 14. This will allow the cylinder 16 to provide a downforce tothe row unit 10 at differing angles. In addition, as the cylinder 16 isable to rotate relative to the frame 14 and toolbar 12, the forceprovided by the cylinder 16 will be maintained in a generally downwarddirection as opposed to a lateral direction. Examples of such downforceproviding cylinders may be found in U.S. application Ser. No.13/457,815, as well as U.S. Application No. 61/968,820, both of whichare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, itshould be appreciated that other types of cylinders not herein describedor disclosed or incorporated may be included as well. For example, astrut type mechanism may be used to replace the downforce cylinder 16.Other types of mechanisms, such as compressible or non-compressiblefluids may also be used to maintain a certain downforce on the row unit10.

At an opposite end of the frame 14 may be positioned a seed meter 18,which is positioned at least partially behind a pair of opener disks 20.The opener disks 20, as shown through the figures, are angled relativetowards one another, and may also be known as coulter disks. Forexample, as shown from the front in FIG. 2, the opener disks 20 areangled towards each other at the front, while as shown in FIG. 6, theopener disks are angled away from each other at the rear. This allowsthe opener disks to create a trench in soil as the planter is movedthrough a field by a tractor. The angle of the opener disks 20 willprovide the width of the trench created by the opener disks.Furthermore, the depth of the trench can be determined by the depth ofthe opener disks in the soil. For example, as described with regard tothe downforce cylinder 16, the depth of the opener disks, and thustrench created thereby, can be adjusted by an increase in the amount ofdownforce provided by the cylinder 16. Extending the rod 30 can move theframe downward, which will in turn move or push the opener disks 20further into the soil, thus creating a deeper trench. However, as willbe understood, the opener disks are not required in all aspects of theinvention and other ways of adjusting the depth without the use of thecylinder may be provided. Furthermore, other components besides wheelscould be used to create the furrow in which the seed is deposited.

Positioned generally adjacent the opener disks 20 and in someembodiments directly behind the opener disks is a seed meter 18. Theseed meter 18 can be a standard meter, such as one disclosed in U.S.application Ser. No. 13/829,726, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. For example, the seed meter 18 can include ameter housing for housing a seed disc therein. Seed is provided to theseed meter, such as by a seed tank at the row unit, or such as by someseed delivery system to the seed meter of the row unit. For example, anair seed delivery system can deliver seed from a central or bulk hopperof the planter to each row units on an as needed basis. However, itshould be appreciated that a type of delivery system for seed to theseed meter 18 of each of the row units of the invention are not to belimiting to said invention. Furthermore, it is contemplated that theseed meter be a multi-hybrid type seed meter that is capable of plantingone of a plurality of types, varieties, and/or hybrids of seed, with theseed changing as the planter moves through the field. Such seed metersare disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/478,222, herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In addition, the seed meter 18 may include a singulating device housedwithin the meter housing. The singulating device works with the seeddisc to provide that a single seed is positioned at each seed apertureon the seed disc. This will increase the efficiency of planting suchthat only one seed will be planted at a time. Furthermore, it should beappreciated that the seed meter may be mechanical (e.g., chain driven,ground driven, finger type, brush type, or some combination thereof) oran air seed meter, such as a vacuum or positive pressure meter. When anair seed meter is used, the air pressure is provided to the meter, suchas by an air hose or an individual vacuum or other air source at the rowunit itself. This invention is not to be limited to a particular type ofseed meter.

Positioning the seed meter 18 adjacent to and/or directly behind theopener disks 20 will provide numerous advantages. For example, problemsexist when the seed meter is positioned at or near the toolbar orotherwise positioned higher above the ground. The seed has to go undergosome drop from the release point from the seed meter to the trench.During this drop or free fall, the seed can experience outside forces,such as jostling, bouncing in a seed tube, or the like. This can affectthe timing of the seed into the trench, as well as the placement of theseed into the trench, which can affect the seed spacing between adjacentseeds. The problem can be greater when on a hill or other angled area.Therefore, as shown in the figures, the seed meter positioned generallyadjacent the ground and directly rearward of the opener disks willeliminate and/or mitigate some of the previous issues. As the seed has avery short distance between its release point 19, as shown in FIG. 5,and the bottom of the trench 21, as shown in FIG. 5, there will be fewerchances for outside conditions to affect the drop of the seed. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5, the distance, which is noted by the small“h”, is relatively small when compared to standard row units. Therefore,once the seed has been singulated in the seed meter, its release pointwill be at a point where there will be little to no outside forcesacting on the seed before it reaches the bottom of the trench. This willvastly improve seed spacing efficiency, as well as mitigating any bounceor roll the seed may have in the formed trench. Other benefits obviousto those skilled in the art are considered to be included with thelowered placement of the seed meter on the row unit 10.

Furthermore, it is noted that, while the standard row units includewheels, such as gauge wheels for closing the trench formed by the openerdisks; this has proven to be disadvantageous, at least in someinstances. For example, the wheels have a small surface area in contactwith the ground, such that the amount of weight on said small surfacearea of wheel on the ground is great. This can cause the soil to becompacted more than what is desired for planting, closing the trench, orotherwise moving through a field. Therefore, an aspect of the inventionincludes the replacement of wheels on the row unit with continuoustracks 22. The tracks 22, as shown in the figures, may be rubber or anyother material. The tracks will provide less ground pressure because thetracks include a greater surface area in contact with the ground at aspecific time. As noted, at a specific moment in time, wheels have asmall surface area in contact with the ground. This causes all theweight to be on that small surface area. Spreading the weight over alarger surface area will decrease the amount of pressure felt over thefull surface area, which will decrease the compaction and pressure onthe ground at the particular moment in time.

The continuous tracks provide additional advantages as well. Forexample, continuous tracks have greater power efficiency, such as highperformance and optimized tracking system. The traction of thecontinuous tracks is high even on slippery surfaces such as mud, snow,and other environments. The use of continuous tracks allows the rowunits to operate better on rough terrain, which can cause a greateramount of movement and/or higher forces on the wheels and thus, planter.The treads of the continuous tracks will be able to allow the row unitto move easier through said rough terrains. As mentioned, there is lesspressure or ground impact with the use of the continuous tracks whencompared to wheels. This is due to the greater surface area that theweight of the row unit is able to spread over the length of thecontinuous track. Another advantage is the extended period of time thatthe soil in contained or restrained underneath the track profile. Thiscontainment of the soil helps to reduce ‘rooster tailing’ in high speedsituations, and also helps to hold field debris in place while theopener disks cut through it, and holds it in place until the seed hasbeen placed in the trench and covered. There is also the opportunity forbetter maneuverability with the use of continuous tracks. Still otheradvantages, benefits, and the like will be apparent by the use ofcontinuous tracks with respect to the replacement of wheels.

As shown in the figures, the continuous tracks are mounted on aplurality of rollers 24, which space the tracks, move the tracks, andprovide the amount of surface area of the track in contact with theground at a specific moment in time. The rollers 24 of the tracks mayinclude mirrored placement between the pair of tracks such that therollers 24 are connected by axles 36, which can provide for the rollersto move the tracks at the same or similar velocities. However, in someembodiments, the rollers may include individual control for eachseparate track on each side of the row unit 10. The configuration of therollers is not to be limited to that shown in the figures, and it is tobe appreciated that generally any configuration which allows thecontinuous track to be mounted and operated for the row unit may beincluded as part of the invention. Furthermore, it is to be appreciatedthat the tracks of the row units may be driven in a number of ways. Thetracks may simply be driven by the movement of the tractor pulling theplanter with the plurality of row units with tracks through the field.In such embodiments, the speed and operation of the tracks will bedetermined by the tractor itself. Furthermore, it should be appreciatedthat each row unit includes one or more motors for individuallyoperating the tracks of the row unit 10. The motors or engines, whichmay be electric, combustion, or other motors, may provide for theindividual control of the row units.

The individual control of the speed and operation of the tracks at eachrow unit may provide additional benefits. The individual control thetracks may aid in turning or other maneuverability of the tracks. Forexample, if the tracks are being driven by individual motors, one sidemay be driven at a different speed than the other when the path of theplanter is not a straight line. The individual control can aid inpulling the planter through rough terrain, on hills, or the like. Forexample, when a tractor is going uphill or through otherwise roughterrain, it may require more power to pull a planter. Having theindividual control of the tracks of each of the row units will allow therow units to not only be pulled, but instead can aid in drivingthemselves, which will reduce the amount of power required by thetractor. Still other benefits remain.

As shown in the figures, the row unit 10 includes a pair of tracks 22 onopposite sides of the opener disks 20 and seed meter 18. As the row unit10 does not have traditional closer wheels, the tracks can be positionedon opposite sides of the opener disks 20 and seed meter 18 in order toaid in closing the trench formed thereby. The width of the tracks andthe distance between the pair of tracks can be determined to best closethe trench after the seed has been deposited therein. Furthermore, ashas been discussed, the closing of the trench by the use of thecontinuous tracks will provide benefits over the use of wheels. As shownin FIG. 5, the tracks have a width “w” and as shown in FIG. 2, will havea length “l” in contact with the ground at a specific moment in time.Utilizing the standard area calculation of width×length, this willprovide the amount of surface area in contact with the ground at aspecific moment in time. Thus, the weight of the row unit 10 will bespread out over the full area of the two continuous tracks in contactwith the ground. This will prevent or alleviate over-compaction of theclosing of the trench by the use of the continuous tracks as there isnot all the weight or the planter and/or row units at a specific pointas there is with wheels. Instead, the continuous tracks will be able tomore gently close the trench to cover the seed planted therein. Thisgreater surface area will allow the amount of downforce required by thecylinder 16 to be lesser than has been previously required.

However, with over-applying down pressure, there will not be an increasein compaction, due to the area of the tracks in contact with the ground.The greater surface area will dissipate the compaction of the downpressure.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a row unit 40 including the use ofcontinuous tracks 52 for the row unit. As with before, the row unit 40shown in FIG. 7 would be one of a plurality of row units used with aplanter (not shown) for planting one or more types of seed. The row unit40 shown in FIG. 7 includes opener disks 42 positioned between a pair ofcontinuous tracks 52. A seed meter 44 is positioned generally behind theopener disks 42, but in this figure, it is shown to be elevated abovethe disc opener or opener disks 42. The seed meter 44 is connected to amount 46, which is connected in turn to a support bracket 50 which isconnected to an axle 56 of the rollers 54 of the continuous tracks 52.The direction of travel of the row unit 40 is shown by the arrow 58.

The row unit 40 would be connected to a toolbar of the planter, aspreviously described. The seed meter would receive seed from a seedsource, such as by the air seed delivery hose 47 shown in FIG. 7. Theseed meter 44 would be of the configuration previously shown anddescribed. For example, the meter 44 would include a housing with a seeddisc and seed singulating device therein. The seed meter would also bean air or mechanical type seed meter, and potentially could be amulti-hybrid type seed meter for planting one of a plurality of types ofseed. To account for the varying types of seed meters, the associatedcomponents would be included therein. For example, an air hose, such asa vacuum hose or a vacuum itself could be included with the seed meterwhen the seed meter is a vacuum type seed meter. Furthermore, a seedtube 48 is shown extending from a bottom portion of the seed meter 44 inFIG. 7. The seed tube receives seed released from an aperture of theseed disc in the seed meter, after it has been singulated therein. Theseed is then dropped through the seed tube 48 and into the trenchcreated by the disc openers or opener disks 42. The seed tube 48 can beconfigured to extend generally between or behind the opener discs 42 toposition the seed at the optimal depth and with the optimal spacingrelative to a seed in front of or behind. The configuration can aid inoptimizing seed depth and placement to optimize crop yield.

Furthermore, the row unit 40 includes the use of continuous tracks 52.The tracks are mounted on rollers 54, which may include axles 56extending therebetween. The axles will aid in providing that the rollers54, and thus tracks 52 will move at substantially the same speed and/orvelocity. The tracks may be of any material capable of providingtraction and rolling on the rollers, such as rubber or the like. Inaddition, as with the row unit 10 previously, the tracks 52 may bedriven by the speed of the tractor, or may be independently controlled,such as by the inclusion of one or more motors at each row unit 40.

As shown in FIG. 7, the continuous tracks 52 of the row unit 40 aregenerally configured such that the rollers are directly in front of andbehind one another when on a flat or substantially horizontal surface.This is slightly different than the row unit 10 shown and describedpreviously. Therefore, the invention includes generally anyconfiguration of continuous tracks 52 for use with a row unit of aplurality of row units of a planter.

Thus, row units with continuous tracks replacing wheels have been shownand described herein. As mentioned, the use of continuous tracks isbeneficial and otherwise advantageous over the use of wheels for manyreasons including, but not limited to, the spreading out of weight perarea of the continuous track, the amount of downforce required tomaintain the desired depth of an a trench, the greater ability andmaneuverability of the row unit, the better control of the row unit innon-optimal conditions, such as rain or mud, and the like. Additionaladvantages not specifically stated are also to be included. Furthermore,additional aspects and/or embodiments of the invention are considered tobe a part of the invention.

For example, in certain embodiments, a designed advantage may be thatbecause tracks are in contact with a larger surface area than a wheelvehicle, they will exert a lower force per area on the ground.Furthermore, while a track rolls or turns with a vehicle, the physicalarea that contacts the ground, which will be known as the contact area,has no relative velocity or movement with the ground. With tracks, thecontact area is larger than with wheels, and the time that a particularpoint along the track has no relative velocity with the ground is largerthan with wheels. Therefore, according to some embodiments of theinvention, a sequence of holes may be positioned through and along arolling continuous track that coincide with desired seed spacing. A seeddelivery probe and mechanism can be mounted on the inside of the trackand pointed outwardly through the holes. When a portion of thecontinuous track with a hole and it contacts the ground and thus, thereis no relative velocity or movement between the ground and the track,the seed delivery probe including a seed can be extended through saidhole and the track and into the ground until it achieves a desired depthat which point the seed will be released from the probe. The probe canthen be extracted before the portion of the track loses contact with theground. For example, before the portion of the hole moves along thepath.

Such a seed probe mechanism can be actuated in a number of ways, such asincluding but not limiting to as a follower with a cam mounted on themoving part of the track, with an electric solenoid, with a hydrauliccylinder, or with a pneumatic cylinder, additional actuations may beprovided as well. The probe then is retracted to receive another seed,at which point it is extended through the next hole to plant a seed atsaid hole, which coincides with the desired spacing between the previousseed. In addition, the probe, while retracting, fills the probe hole bycompressing down on the soil around the circumference of the probe andpushing it into the hole. In such a situation, the seed may be meteredwith a conventional seed meter, but can be mechanically placed into oron the placement probe. Thus, such a situation can be included with aplanter having a plurality of row units wherein said probe unit ispositioned at each row unit.

Advantages of the system provide that the seed is positioned and placedin the soil by the probe and not dropped from a moving vehicle on aregular terrain, through an irregular shaped tube and into a stationarybut irregularly shaped trench, and then moved again from a dirt pilingon the open trench. Thus, the use of the probe would increase theefficiency of the seed reaching its desired depth and with the desiredspacing between adjacent seeds. Such use of a probe would eliminate manyvariables that cause issues with planting, such as seed bounce, gravity,irregular terrain, and the like.

FIGS. 8-12 show various views of another row unit incorporatingcontinuous tracks that provides the same benefits and/or advantages aspreviously shown and described. The row unit is similar to that of FIGS.1-6, but includes variations that may allow for additional uses,benefits, and/or advantages over that known in the art. For example,additional aspects relating to the depth of the opening disk may beincluded. The depth could be adjusted manually or automatically, such asby a depth control system 60, as shown in FIG. 13. In an automatedsystem, sensors 62 and actuators 64 could be included with the row unitto determine soil characteristics, seed characteristics, seed type, etc.The data collected by the sensors could determine variations of seeddepths that would be optimal for planting. If the depth is needed to bechanged, the tracks could be manipulated by the actuators, or theactuators could work directly with the opening disks to adjust the depthof the trench created therein. This could be an open loop system inwhich the depth change is done by the operator, such as in the cab ofthe tractor, or it could be a closed loop system in which the depth ofthe trench is ever-changing based upon changes in the environment ofplanting. It is also contemplated that some combination thereof be used.

For example, the down force cylinder 16 could be connected to acomputing system 66, such as an intelligent control, which is in turnconnected to the sensors 62 and/or actuators 64. The sensors 62 couldobtain and deliver data to the computing system 66, which determines,based upon inputs and algorithms, whether there needs to be a change inthe amount of downforce provided by one or more of the actuators 64 toadjust the depth of the furrow created by the opening wheels or discs20. The system 60 would ensure a more consistent depth of furrow createdeven in ever-changing soil characteristics, weather, soil types, andother changes in the field environment.

The invention of a row unit utilizing continuous tracks has hereto forbeen shown and described. Other aspects obvious to those skilled in theart are to be considered part of the invention. For example, themovement of the seed meter relative to the toolbar and/or opener diskscan be varied to account for different types of seed, and the like.Furthermore, aspects can be included, replaced, or moved to account foruse for multi-hybrid planting. Furthermore, it should be appreciatedthat the figures shown and described are for exemplary purposes only,and are not to be considered the entirety of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A planting unit, comprising: a. an opening member for creating an opening in the ground; b. a seed meter for dispensing seed adjacent the opening members for dispensing seed into the opening in the ground; and c. continuous tracks positioned on opposite sides of the opening members, wherein the tracks will at least partially overlap the opening in the ground created by the opening members to close the opening in the ground created by the opening members at the row unit.
 2. The planting unit of claim 1, further comprising a motor operatively connected to the continuous tracks for operating the tracks to move the planting unit.
 3. The planting unit of claim 2, wherein the motor comprises: a. an electric motor; b. a combustion motor; or c. a hybrid motor.
 4. The planting unit of claim 2, wherein the motor comprises a first motor operatively connected to the continuous track on a first side of the unit, and a second motor operatively connected to the continuous track on a second side of the unit.
 5. The planting unit of claim 4, wherein the first and second motors are operable independent of one another.
 6. The planting unit of claim 1, further comprising a downforce cylinder operatively connected to the opening member.
 7. The planting unit of claim 6, wherein the opening member comprises at least one disc.
 8. The planting unit of claim 6, wherein the downforce cylinder comprises a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, or some combination thereof.
 9. The planting unit of claim 6, wherein the downforce cylinder is a strut.
 10. The planting unit of claim 1, wherein the tracks comprise an elastomeric material.
 11. The planting unit of claim 1, wherein the seed meter is positioned above the tracks.
 12. A planting unit, comprising: opening discs for creating an opening in the ground; a seed meter for dispensing seed adjacent the opening discs for dispensing seed into the opening in the ground; and continuous tracks positioned on opposite sides of the opening discs, wherein the continuous tracks will at least partially overlap the opening in the ground created by the opening discs; wherein the continuous tracks are configured to move the planting unit as well as closing the opening in the ground after the seed has been dispensed therein.
 13. The planting unit of claim 12, further comprising one or more motors connected to the continuous tracks to drive the continuous tracks.
 14. The planting unit of claim 12, further comprising a downforce cylinder operatively attached to the opening discs to control the depth of furrow created by the opening discs.
 15. The planting unit of claim 14, further comprising a downforce control system operatively connected to the downforce cylinder to automatically vary the depth of furrow based upon sensed characteristics.
 16. The planting unit of claim 15, wherein the downforce control system comprises a computing system and one or more sensors electrically coupled to the computing system to provide sensed data thereto.
 17. The planting unit of claim 16, wherein the one or more sensors sense soil characteristics.
 18. The planting unit of claim 17, wherein the soil characteristic comprises one of a soil temperature or a soil moisture content.
 19. A planting unit, comprising: opening discs for creating an opening in the ground; a seed meter for dispensing seed adjacent the opening discs for dispensing seed into the opening in the ground; a seed tube connected to the seed meter for directing seed from the seed meter to the opening in the ground; a seed delivery system operatively connected to the seed meter for providing seed to the seed meter; a continuous track configured to aid in moving the planting unit and closing the opening in the ground after the seed has been dispensed therein; and at least one motor operatively connected to the continuous track for operating the tracks to move the planting unit
 20. The row unit of claim 18, wherein the seed tube is positioned adjacent the continuous track to dispense seed through a hole in the track. 